The basics:
- Former NJ Gov. Richard Codey died Jan. 11 at age 79
- Served 50 years in the New Jersey Legislature — longest tenure in state history
- Led the state as governor from 2004–2006, after Gov. McGreevey’s resignation
- Remembered statewide for mental health advocacy, public service
Former New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey died Jan. 11 at the age of 79.
An Orange native, Codey, retired from the state Senate in 2023. He spent 50 years serving in the New Jersey Legislature as an assemblyman and senator. The tenure marks the longest in state history. He was also New Jersey’s longest-serving senator.
Codey served as New Jersey’s governor from November 2004 to January 2006. He assumed office following the scandal that led to Gov. Jim McGreevey’s resignation.
“Our family has loved a beloved husband, father, and grandfather – and New Jersey lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him,” the Codey family wrote in a Facebook post. “Gov. Richard J. Codey passed away peacefully this morning at home, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. He lived his life with humility, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.”
The statement continued, “He spoke the truth when others wouldn’t and fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey during his record-setting 50 years in the Legislature. He made friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners. We take comfort in know how many people he helped, inspired, or stood up for over the years.”
Remembering a leader
Remembrances and tributes are also pouring in from around the Garden State.
Gov. Phil Murphy described Codey as the embodiment of proud New Jersey values, which he proved every day of his life.
“Whether as Governor or as the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history, Dick built a safer, healthier future for all of us,” said Murphy. “From championing funding for mental health care and stem cell research to advancing smoke-free indoor spaces in New Jersey, Dick protected every one of our communities and sought to cultivate the potential of every one of our neighbors.
“Dick’s legacy of heroic service extends well beyond the walls of the State House. As a coach for youth basketball teams, he inspired young New Jerseyans to strive for greatness — on and off the court. As a funeral director, he consoled our families during their darkest moments and guided them through grief and loss. And as a dear, personal friend, Dick was there for Tammy and me, back when it was cold, dark, and lonely.”
Governor Dick Codey distinguished himself as the consummate public servant, working alongside New Jerseyans of all beliefs and backgrounds to chart a brighter path forward.
Tammy and I are sending our love and deepest condolences to Dick’s wife, their two sons, and the entire… pic.twitter.com/Bw4cnCd5Mg
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 11, 2026
Working together
Murphy noted that when Codey announced his retirement in 2023, he wisely observed that “public service is about making a difference in the lives of people. It’s about working together to create a better future for everyone.”
“For more than half a century, Dick did exactly that,” the governor said. “He distinguished himself as the consummate public servant, working alongside New Jerseyans of all beliefs and backgrounds to chart a brighter path forward. He will be dearly missed.
“On behalf of a grateful state: Thank you, Dick, for everything you have given New Jersey.”
On behalf of a grateful state: Thank you, Dick, for everything you have given New Jersey.
– Gov. Phil Murphy
‘Selfless public servant’
“Gov. Codey was a dedicated, selfless public servant that committed his life to the people of New Jersey,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. “He lived with compassion and strength, striving every day to improve the lives of New Jerseyans. My heart is with his family today, may we all carry forward his memory.”
“New Jersey has lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives in meaningful ways of everyone who knew him,” Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District, said in a statement. “The Codey family has lost a beloved husband, remarkable father and devoted grandfather. I have lost a trusted colleague and good friend.
“In this time of sadness, we can take comfort in knowing of the countless people he helped, inspired and stood with over the years.”
Shaped NJ ‘for the better’
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District, said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Governor Richard J. Codey, a giant of New Jersey public life whose decades of service shaped our State for the better. A stalwart in the Legislature and a steady hand in the Governor’s Office, he long represented the very best of public service, devoting his life to making government work for the people.”
Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-29th District, said New Jersey lost a true legend today.
“Gov. Codey was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, passionate basketball coach, a proud Seton Hall fan, and a tireless public servant who dedicated his life to the people of New Jersey,” said Ruiz. “The longest-serving state legislator in our history, no one did more to fight the stigma surrounding mental health or to champion the needs of those living with mental health challenges.
“His leadership transformed how our state supports individuals and families affected by mental illness, and will continue to save lives for generations to come.”
‘Heartbroken’
Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25th District, said, “I’m heartbroken to hear that former Gov. Dick Codey passed this morning. We worked together on many important issues that helped move New Jersey forward, and I came to know him as a true friend and someone who led with humility, kindness, and humor.
“He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service and integrity that will be felt for generations.”
“The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce mourns the passing of former Governor Richard J. Codey, a New Jersey icon and one of the most dedicated public servants in our state’s history,” said Tom Bracken, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, in a statement. “Gov. Codey worked closely with the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce throughout his career in public service, including during his time as Acting Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and State Senator.
“He was a thoughtful and accessible leader who consistently listened to the business community and welcomed ideas focused on economic growth, job creation, and strengthening New Jersey’s competitiveness.”
Bracken described his passing as a tremendous loss for New Jersey.
The Codey family added, “We will share information about services in the coming days.”
‘A mentor and a friend’
“Today, our state lost a leader and a great public servant in Gov. Dick Codey,” said Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill. “As governor, in the Assembly, and in the state Senate, he used his power to expand mental health resources, implement stronger gun safety laws to protect communities, and bolster substance abuse treatment and prevention programs. He truly cared about the people he served.
“I am lucky to call Gov. Codey a mentor and a friend. He was there from the beginning when I decided to run for Congress, and again when I decided to run for governor, and I will always carry with me his deep belief that the future of our state is worth fighting for. I’m sending my deepest condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Gov. Codey will be sorely missed.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 8:04 p.m. Jan. 11, 2026, to include a statement from Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill.
